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ICS2 Phase 3
The European Union’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) Phase 3 is well underway, and the final compliance deadline of 1 September 2025 is approaching fast. For businesses involved in road and rail transport into the EU, this phase marks the last major implementation stage in the EU’s overhaul of its customs safety and security system.
In this blog, we break down what ICS2 Phase 3 means, who is affected, what steps businesses should take right now, and how to stay compliant.
Import Control System 2
What Is Import Control System 2?
ICS2 (Import Control System 2) is the EU’s large-scale customs pre-arrival security program. It’s being rolled out in stages and is designed to collect data on all goods entering the EU before they arrive. This enables EU customs authorities to conduct risk assessments earlier and ensure the safety of goods crossing EU borders.
ICS2 Phase 3 specifically expands the system to cover:
- Maritime carriers (implemented June–December 2024)
- House-level maritime filers (freight forwarders) (implemented December 2024–April 2025)
- Road and rail carriers (transition period ends 1 September 2025)
Who Needs to Comply in ICS2 Phase 3?
ICS2 Phase 3 affects all economic operators involved in bringing goods into the EU by road or rail. These include:
- Road freight carriers
- Rail transport operators
- Freight forwarders operating in these modes
- Customs brokers and logistics providers coordinating cross-border shipments
If your business is responsible for filing Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) for these shipments, you must be connected to ICS2 and submitting data in the correct format.
Key Compliance Requirements
To comply with ICS2 Phase 3, businesses must:
- Register with EU Customs Authorities using an EORI number linked to ICS2 filings.
- Connect to the Shared Trader Interface (STI) or use a third-party provider that is integrated.
- Complete self-conformance testing to prove your systems meet EU standards.
- Submit accurate ENS data, including:
- 6-digit HS codes
- Full goods description (no generic terms like “parts”)
- Consignee and consignor details
- Transport information (mode, route, arrival point)
Failure to meet these requirements can result in delays, shipment rejections, or fines.
Final Deadline: 1 September 2025
For road and rail carriers, the final deadline for Phase 3 compliance is 1 September 2025. After this date, all ENS filings must be submitted via ICS2, and non-compliant shipments may be blocked at the EU border.
Operators not ready by this date must have applied for a deployment window extension before 1 March 2025. If no extension has been granted, full compliance is mandatory.
Next Steps for Businesses
If your company is involved in EU-bound shipments by road or rail, here’s what to do now:
- Confirm your role in ENS filing: Determine whether you or a partner is responsible.
- Update your customs systems: Ensure they can handle ICS2 data formats and connect to STI.
- Coordinate with supply chain partners: Especially if multiple parties are submitting partial data.
- Audit your data quality: Poor descriptions or incorrect HS codes will lead to rejections.
- Train your teams: Make sure staff understand ICS2 filing requirements.
The Impact of ICS2 Phase 3
Phase 3 brings important changes to the way goods entering the EU by road and rail are managed. The requirement for earlier and more detailed data submission allows customs authorities to conduct more effective risk assessments, resulting in:
- Greater scrutiny of shipments with incomplete or inaccurate information
- Potential delays or holds at border points due to compliance issues
- Increased responsibility for businesses to ensure accuracy and timeliness in their filings
These changes mean businesses must adapt their processes to avoid disruptions and maintain efficient trade operations within the EU.
Need help preparing for ICS2 Phase 3?
At Customs Complete, we support businesses with customs compliance, ENS filing support, and ICS2 readiness. Get in touch to learn how we can help you stay ahead of regulatory change.
